Best Tools For DIY Manicures
I Stopped Paying For Manicures After I Learned How to Use These Simple Nail Tools
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While going to the nail salon and having your arms rubbed with steaming hot rocks can be therapeutic in its own way, I still prefer to take matters into my own hands (pun intended) and give myself at-home manicures most of the time. However, if you have ever gotten a manicure from a technician, you know that there are all sorts of complicated tools involved in making your nails look good.
We're here to clear up the confusion. Keep reading ahead for a full breakdown on all the nail tools you need to pull off the perfect DIY manicure.
Cuticle Trimmers
These Professional Stainless Steel Cuticle Trimmers ($8) look a lot like scissors and work a lot like them, too. The narrowed head is designed to fit in the corner of the nail area, but while it's technically intended for your cuticles, we recommend you only use this tool to trim any hangnails or dead skin around the nails — not the cuticle itself.
Cuticle Pushers
Cuticle pushers should be used to gently push back cuticles to prevent the growth of bacteria and germs, and they come in all sorts of varieties with different tips. As a general rule, you should apply a cuticle softener before using the rounded flat end of the stick to push the cuticles up towards the hand, starting in the middle of the nail. You can also try this Cuticle Pusher 4-Pack ($4) with slanted or sharper ends to push down the cuticles at the corners of your nails and remove dirt near the cuticles.
Diagonal Nail Clippers
While straight-edge nail clippers are typically used to give nails a quick trim, Diagonal Nail Clippers ($6), or angled nail clippers, can be used to snip away dry skin in the corners of the nails.
Nail Files
Yeah, a nail file is a pretty straightforward tool to use when it comes to giving yourself a manicure, but it's important to remember that Stainless Steel Nail Files ($9) are harsher on the nail than your typical emery board and should be used with caution to prevent nail chipping or flaking.
V-Shaped Cuticle Pushers
This funny little tool stumped me for years, until I learned that a V-Shaped Cuticle Pusher ($7) is meant to help with getting rid of hangnails and trimming any peeling skin. Very handy!
Triangle-Shaped Cuticle Scrapers
Not every nail kit has one of these, but the Triangle-Shaped Cuticle Scraper ($6) is a handy tool to have if you're short on nail polish remover or need to peel off your gel manicure without damageing your nails.
Full Nail Kit
If you'd rather just buy everything at once and hop right into becoming your own personal manicurist, you can also buy a Manicure and Pedicure Nail Kit ($12) that includes everything you need to give yourself the full beauty treatment.
